Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
216 Driving and Operating
Caution
Cranking the engine for long
periods of time, by returning the
ignition to the START position
immediately after cranking has
ended, can overheat and damage
the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds
between each try, to let the
cranking motor cool down.
Stopping the Engine
If the vehicle has an automatic
transmission, move the shift lever to
P (Park) and press and hold
ENGINE START/STOP on the
instrument panel, until the engine
shuts off. If the shift lever is not in
P (Park), the engine shuts off and
the ignition goes to ACC/
ACCESSORY. The DIC displays
SHIFT TO PARK. Once the shift
lever is moved to P (Park), the
vehicle turns off.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, move the shift lever to
R (Reverse) and set the parkingbrake after turning off the engine by
pressing and holding ENGINE
START/STOP.
If the vehicle has a manual
transmission, before getting out of
the vehicle, shift to 1 (First) or
R (Reverse) and firmly apply the
parking brake. Then turn off the
ignition off by pressing ENGINE
START/STOP and release the
clutch pedal when the engine has
stopped.
If the RKE transmitter is not
detected inside the vehicle when it
is turned off the DIC displays a
message.
Engine Heater
{Warning
Do not plug in the engine block
heater while the vehicle is parked
in a garage or under a carport.
Property damage or personal
injury may result. Always park the
vehicle in a clear open area away
from buildings or structures.
If equipped, the engine heater can
help in cold weather conditions at or
below
−18 °C (0 °F) for easier
starting and better fuel economy
during engine warm-up. Plug in the
coolant heater at least four hours
before starting the vehicle. An
internal thermostat in the plug end
of the cord will prevent engine
heater operation at temperatures
above −18 °C (0 °F).
Using the Engine Heater
1. Turn off the engine.
2. Open the hood and unwrap the
electrical cord.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 221
Warning (Continued)
.There are holes or openings
in the vehicle body from
damage or aftermarket
modifications that are not
completely sealed.
If unusual fumes are detected or
if it is suspected that exhaust is
coming into the vehicle: . Drive it only with the
windows completely down.
. Have the vehicle repaired
immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the
engine running in an enclosed
area such as a garage or a
building that has no fresh air
ventilation.
Running the Vehicle
While Parked
It is better not to park with the
engine running.
If the vehicle is left with the engine
running, follow the proper steps to
be sure the vehicle will not move.
See Shifting Into Park 0218 and
Engine Exhaust 0220. If the vehicle
has a manual transmission, see
Parking 0219.
Automatic
Transmission
If equipped with a 10-speed
automatic transmission, see the
Camaro High Performance
supplement.
The Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays the current gear selected in
the lower right corner. When Sport
Mode is active, an S is displayed.
If Manual Mode is active, an M and
the current gear selected is
displayed next to the M.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Driving and Operating 223
Caution (Continued)
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the automatic
transmission fluid is too hot.
Driving under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Stop and idle
the engine to cool the automatic
transmission fluid. This message
clears when the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
D : This position is for normal
driving. If more power is needed for
passing, press the accelerator
pedal down.
Powertrain Braking
When driving on steep descents
with the shift lever in D (Drive)
where frequent braking is required, the transmission will shift down a
gear to help hold vehicle speed and
reduce brake wear. If the brake
continues to be pressed, the
transmission will downshift until
3 (Third) gear is reached.
If the brake is released for some
time, the transmission will upshift a
gear. If the road levels out and the
accelerator pedal is pressed, the
transmission will upshift until the
appropriate gear is reached.
Caution
If the vehicle does not shift gears,
the transmission could be
damaged. Have the vehicle
serviced right away.
Performance Shifting
While driving in Sport Mode
(L4, if equipped or V6, if equipped),
or Sport Mode and Track Mode
(V8, if equipped), if Tap Shift has not
been activated, the transmission
determines when the vehicle is
being driven in a competitive
manner. The transmission may
remain in a gear longer than it
would in the normal driving mode
based on throttle input and vehicle
lateral acceleration. If there is a
rapid reduction in throttle from a
heavy throttle position at high rpm,
the transmission will maintain the
current gear up to near redline rpm.
While braking, the transmission will
automatically downshift to the next
lower gear keeping engine speed
above approximately 3000 rpm.
If the vehicle is then driven for a
short time at a steady speed, and
without high cornering loads, the
transmission will upshift one gear at
a time until the highest available
gear is reached. After shifting to the
highest available gear, the
transmission will return to normal
Sport Mode shifting.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
Driving and Operating 225
be in DSC mode. Vehicles with this
feature have indicators on the
steering wheel. The paddles are on
the back of the steering wheel. Tap
the left paddle (−) to downshift, and
the right paddle (+) to upshift. The
Driver Information Center (DIC)
display indicates the gear the
vehicle is in.
Holding the left paddle for an
extended time will downshift the
transmission to the lowest
available gear.
While in Manual Mode, the
transmission will prevent shifting to
a lower gear if the engine speed is
too high. If the tap down−(Minus)
paddle is held while the vehicle
slows down, the M in the DIC will
flash, and the downshift will be
allowed when vehicle speed is low
enough. Continuing to hold the tap
down −(Minus) paddle will not
cause the transmission to continue
downshifting. Each downshift must
be requested separately by
releasing and reapplying the tap
down −(Minus) paddle. Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up
Display (HUD) may also have shift
timing lights across the top of the
display.
The rows of lights get closer
together as the shift point gets
closer. Shift the transmission before
the lights come together in the
display. Shift immediately if the
lights are flashing.
See
Head-Up Display (HUD) 0134.
Temporary Tap Shift Mode allows
brief entry into Tap Shift Mode while
in D (Drive). Tapping either the
upshift or downshift control will
place the transmission in Tap Shift
Mode. Exit Tap Shift Mode by
holding the upshift control for
two seconds. The system will return
to automatic shifting after
seven seconds of driving at a
steady speed, or when the vehicle
comes to a stop. This may be used for sport driving
or when climbing or descending
hills, to stay in gear longer, or to
downshift for more power or engine
braking. The transmission will only
allow you to shift into gears
appropriate for the vehicle speed
and engine revolutions per minute
(rpm). The transmission will not
automatically shift to the next higher
gear if the engine rpm is too high.
If shifting is prevented for any
reason, the message SHIFT
DENIED will appear in the DIC,
indicating that the transmission has
not shifted gears. While in the Tap
Shift Mode, the transmission will not
automatically downshift on hard
acceleration.
When accelerating the vehicle from
a stop in snowy and icy conditions,
you may want to shift into
2 (Second) gear. A higher gear ratio
allows you to gain more traction on
slippery surfaces.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
226 Driving and Operating
Manual Transmission
Shift Pattern–V8 Engine
Shift Pattern –L4 and V6 Engines
These are the shift patterns for the
6-speed manual transmissions.
Caution
A transmission hot message may
display if the manual transmission
fluid is too hot. Driving at high
speed under this condition can
damage the vehicle. Drive at a
slower speed, or stop and idle the
engine to cool the manual
transmission fluid. The message (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
clears when the vehicle has
slowed and the transmission fluid
has cooled sufficiently.
To operate the transmission:
1 : Press the clutch pedal and shift
into 1 (First). Then slowly let up on
the clutch pedal while pressing the
accelerator pedal.
Shift into 1 (First) when going less
than 65 km/h (40 mph). If the vehicle
comes to a complete stop and it is
hard to shift into 1 (First), put the
shift lever in Neutral and let up on
the clutch. Press the clutch pedal
back down. Then shift into 1 (First).
2 : Press the clutch pedal while
letting up on the accelerator pedal
and shift into 2 (Second). Then,
slowly let up on the clutch pedal
while pressing the accelerator
pedal.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
Driving and Operating 227
3, 4, 5, and 6 :Shift into 3 (Third),
4 (Fourth), 5 (Fifth), and 6 (Sixth) the
same way as for 2 (Second). Slowly
let up on the clutch pedal while
pressing the accelerator pedal.
To stop, let up on the accelerator
pedal and press the brake pedal.
Just before the vehicle stops, press
the clutch pedal and the brake
pedal, and shift to Neutral.
Neutral : Use this position when
starting or idling the engine. The
shift lever is in Neutral when it is
centered in the shift pattern, not in
any gear.
R : To back up, press the clutch
pedal and shift into R (Reverse). Let
up on the clutch pedal slowly while
pressing the accelerator pedal.One to Four Shift Message
(V8 Only)
When this message comes on, the
vehicle can only be shifted from
1 (First) to 4 (Fourth) instead of
1 (First) to 2 (Second). The message
will display in the Driver Information
Center (DIC).
Complete the shift into 4 (Fourth) to
turn off this feature. This helps to
get the best possible fuel economy.
After shifting to 4 (Fourth), downshift
to a lower gear, if desired.
Caution
Forcing the shift lever into any
gear except 4 (Fourth) when the
1-4 SHIFT message comes on
may damage the transmission.
Shift only from 1 (First) to
4 (Fourth) when the message
comes on.
This message will come on when:
. The engine coolant temperature
is higher than 76 °C (169 °F).
. The vehicle is accelerating from
a stop and going 24 to 31 km/h
(15 to 19 mph).
. The vehicle is at 33% throttle
or less.
Vehicles equipped with a Head-Up
Display (HUD) may also have shift
timing lights across the top of the
display.
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
228 Driving and Operating
The rows of lights get closer
together as the shift point gets
closer. Shift the transmission before
the lights come together in the
display. Shift immediately if the
lights are flashing.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0134.
Active Rev Match
Vehicles equipped with a V8 engine
and a manual transmission have
Active Rev Match (ARM). ARM aids
in smoother shifting by matching the
engine speed to the next selected
gear. By monitoring shift lever and
clutch operation, ARM adjusts
engine speed to match a calibrated
value based on gear selection. On
upshifts and downshifts, engine
speed will be decreased and
increased to match vehicle road
speed and transmission gear
position. ARM is maintained while
the clutch pedal is pressed, but will
deactivate if the shift lever is left in
the Neutral position.
The system is activated and
deactivated by pressing either of the
paddles marked REV MATCH on
the steering wheel. The system
must be activated with each new
ignition cycle.
A gear indicator in the instrument
cluster displays the current gear
selected:
.
When ARM is activated, the
gear number is amber.
. When ARM is deactivated, the
gear number is white. .
If no gear number is displayed
while the shift lever is in gear,
service is required. ARM will be
disabled, and the malfunction
indicator lamp will be on. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
0124. The clutch and manual
transmission will continue to
operate normally.
ARM will also:
. Be active above 25 km/h
(16 mph).
. Match engine speed up to
5400 rpm.
. Not operate when the
accelerator pedal is applied.
. Be disabled when the coolant
temperature is below
0 °C (32 °F).
Chevrolet Camaro Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348325) - 2018 - CRC - 10/23/17
230 Driving and Operating
The vehicle has an Electric Parking
Brake (EPB). The EPB can always
be activated, even if the ignition is
off. To prevent draining the battery,
avoid repeated cycles of the EPB
system when the engine is not
running.
The system has a
Yor PARK
Electric Parking Brake light, and a
8
Service Parking Brake light.
See Electric Parking Brake Light
0 126 andService Electric Parking
Brake Light 0127.
Before leaving the vehicle, check for
the
Yor PARK light to ensure that
the parking brake is applied.
EPB Apply
To apply the EPB:
1. Be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop.
2. Lift up the EPB switch momentarily.
The
Yor PARK light will flash and
then stay on once the EPB is fully
applied. If the
Yor PARK light flashes continuously, then the EPB
is only partially applied or there is a
problem with the EPB. A DIC
message will display. Release the
EPB and try to apply it again. If the
light does not come on, or keeps
flashing, have the vehicle serviced.
Do not drive the vehicle if the
Yor
PARK light is flashing. See your
dealer. See Electric Parking Brake
Light 0126.
If the
8light is on, pull the EPB
switch and hold it. Continue to hold
the switch until the
Yor PARK
light remains on. If the
8light
remains on, see your dealer.
If the EPB is applied while the
vehicle is moving, the vehicle will
decelerate as long as the switch is
pulled. If the switch is pulled until
the vehicle comes to a stop, the
EPB will remain applied.
The vehicle may automatically apply
the EPB in some situations when
the vehicle is not moving. This is
normal, and is done to periodically
check the correct operation of the
EPB system. If the EPB fails to apply, block the
rear wheels to prevent vehicle
movement.
EPB Release
To release the EPB:
1. Turn the ignition on or to ACC/ ACCESSORY.
2. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
3. Press the EPB switch momentarily.
The EPB is released when the
Y
or PARK light is off.
If the
8light is on, release the EPB
by pressing and holding the EPB
switch. Continue to hold the switch
until the
Yor PARK light is off.
If either light stays on after release
is attempted, see your dealer.